Years in Industry: 10 Contact Info: cooper @ stephens-ins. com
785-841-9538
| YOUNG AGENTS PROFILE |
Cooper Chapin, AFIS
Years in Industry: 10 Contact Info: cooper @ stephens-ins. com
785-841-9538
Cooper Chapin
How did you get into the Industry?
I think a common theme shared by many in our industry is,“ I had never really planned to work in insurance, but I’ m sure glad I ended up here.” It is much the same for me, but at the same time, I suppose you could say that insurance is in my blood. In the 1930s my great grandfather started an agency in Wellington, KS( Renn & Company) and now 80 + years later I’ m working in an agency with my father in Lawrence.
What benefits do Young Agents bring to the Industry?
Young agents can provide a different perspective and a fresh voice in an aging and evolving industry. Millennial consumers are on the doorstep.
How do you see the Industry Changing in the next 5-10 years?
I think that there are parts of our industry already in a state of flux. Technological advancements at all levels( insurers, within agencies and among consumers) seem to be serving as the primary catalyst to this change. The new technology coupled with massive data aggregation by the insurers could threaten the agent’ s role and value as the de facto field underwriter to the company. I can certainly envision the independent agent’ s role evolving in the insurance delivery process over the next ten years, but what exactly that entails remains to be seen.
What is your greatest reward as an independent insurance agent?
Client relationships. When you develop a close relationship with a client and they rely on you as a trusted advisor to protect what they’ ve worked so hard for, then you feel truly invested in the success of their business
What advice would you like to share with Principals who have been in the business more than 10 years?
Engage your young agents in discussions about the agency’ s operations and future plans beyond their defined role as a producer, CSR, etc. Use them as a resource to help better understand and serve the next generation of insurance consumers.
What are your future Plans?
To continue to help grow our agency and help ensure its future prosperity.
what advice would you give to an incoming young agent?
Get involved with the Young Agents of Kansas. There is a rather steep learning curve to overcome for someone new to the industry. Use every resource you have available, such as other Young Agents, to learn and grow with the business.
Who / What haVE been your greatest resources in this industry and why?
The greatest resource has absolutely been the relationships I’ ve developed through our association. My involvement with KAIA has provided me the opportunity to meet and discuss ideas, issues, problems, markets, etc. with some of the most intelligent people in our industry. These relationships are invaluable, and with the changing landscape in our industry, I will be relying on every resource I have available.
8 KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER | January- February 2017 |